Neil Abramson of ECi Stores receives the 2024 America’s Retail Champion award at NRF’s Retail Advocates Summit.
Neil Abramson of ECi Stores, a group of consignment stores in Leominster, Mass., was named the 2024 America’s Retail Champion at NRF’s Retail Advocates Summit on July 25. The honor goes to one small retailer who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advocacy and their communities. Abramson was selected from a group of 44 small businesses representing 27 states from the 2024 America’s Retail Champions program sponsored by Affirm.
Calling the award “the Grammy of retail,” Abramson says NRF’s role in helping retailers amplify their voices is similar to the Grammy’s design. “When you think about it, the Grammy is the microphone,” he says. “NRF provides the microphone — it takes you to stand up and speak.”
“Neil is a natural advocate who has made significant strides in advancing policies important to retailers,” says David French, NRF’s executive vice president of government relations. As a long-time retail advocate, Abramson has participated in numerous advocacy fly-ins to Washington, D.C., to advocate on issues like swipe fee fairness and small business pandemic relief. He is also an active member of the NRF Small Business Retail Council.
French says Abramson brings inspiring energy and leadership to advocacy, as demonstrated by “You’re Not Alone Running This Store,” his YouTube channel that provides a community for other small retailers. “Neil brings his fellow retailers along, inspiring and guiding them to make their voices heard,” French says.
“Advocacy has nothing to do with politics,” Abramson says. He challenges other retailers to look beyond a divisive political landscape to come together and advocate for policies that help retailers serve their communities.
“Good businesses and good policies grow great communities,” he says. “Public policies impact our businesses and our ability to operate, employ people, and create jobs and livable wages in our communities.”
He implores all retailers to prioritize advocating for retail to help advance policies that help retailers succeed and serve their customers. “Good policy is calling. It’s up to you to answer the call.”
Visit NRF’s Action Center to learn more about our policy priorities and how to become involved in advocating for retail.